Doris Ann Craven Jones, 88, of Tallahassee, Florida, passed away on February 23, 2022 after a period of declining health.

Doris was born on July 2, 1933 to Gordon Craven and Pearcie Mae Craven (neé Blount) in Quincy, Florida. After graduating high school, Doris went on to earn a Bachelor’s Degree in Education from Florida State University. After graduation, she started a long and successful career in the public school systems of first Gadsden County and later Leon County. She worked tirelessly and passionately as a teacher and principal for nearly 40 years. During that time, she also achieved a Master’s of Education at Florida State University.

In 1952, Doris met the love of her life, Lamar Jones while they both studied at Florida State University. They married on December 19, 1954 and made their home in Tallahassee. Their marriage was the paramount of her life. They went on to have their treasured daughter, Denise, with whom they enjoyed an immensely fulfilling and happy family life. Doris and Lamar were married for 67 years. They were unfailingly dedicated, loving, and caring towards each other to the very end.

She created countless joyful and fun memories. Joy during travelling, outings, and home activities was always heightened because of her. She was always willing and able to make anything and everything fun.

She was a fierce believer in, and advocate for, equal rights and resources for overlooked and underprivileged students. She spent many long hours doing extra work to help those in her schools. Of her many accomplishments, she was most proud of being chosen to set up the model kindergarten program which was adopted by the state of Florida. Also a member and organizer for the FEA Union, she was integral in the success of the Florida Teacher’s Walkout of 1968. Her passion and efforts directly resulted in the betterment of the education system for both students and teachers alike.

After retirement, she and Lamar spent their time between her home in Tallahassee and a home in Raleigh, North Carolina, where her daughter and her family resided.

She was a voracious reader, gifted in speaking and writing, and a lively conversationalist. She enjoyed discussing the achievements of her daughter, grandchildren, siblings, and nieces and nephews. Her intelligence, ambition, passion, confidence, sense of fun, and immense love for her family are the legacy she leaves behind. She will be greatly missed.

Doris was predeceased by her father Gordon Craven, mother Pearcie Mae Craven, brothers Massie and James Craven. She is survived by her husband Lamar, daughter Denise and son-in-law Bob, grandchildren Amanda (Grady) and Daniel, great-grandchildren Katie and Tom; sister Barbara Harrell, sister-in-law Barbara Craven, and nieces and nephew Ashley DeGuire, Candace Barnes, and Bryan Craven.

Services will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family requests her passion for childhood literacy be honored through donations made to Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library.